Historical Speeches Essay, Research Paper

Historical Speeches

Every political moment seeks a great orator to proclaim its hopes and dreams. Historical figures left speeches that inspire us, even in the future. Many of them have given numerous memorable speeches in an effort to change the minds of the world. Throughout history, speeches about the need for unity and equal rights testify against the natural cruelty in humans.

Susan B. Anthony, a great orator, gave a speech in 1873, stating that a woman is a citizen and should receive the same rights as a male citizen. Her powerful speech proved that it was not a crime for women to vote, but, instead, were exercising their “citizen’s rights, guaranteed to all United States citizens by the National Constitution”. Another woman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton had very similar views to Susan B. Anthony’s. Her speech in 1868, also spoke about equality among men and women. She expressed the idea of considering “a woman as a citizen” and “as a member of a great nation”. As a member, “she must have the same rights as all other members, according to the fundamental principles of our Government.” After 38 years, women were finally heard and the 19th Amendment was ratified, allowing women to vote.

Unfortunately, women were not the only ones that did not receive equal rights. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, given in 1963, is well known today because of the great impact it had on American history. His speech informed the public of the fact that “one hundred years” after the freeing of black slaves, “we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free.” Segregation and discrimination needs to stop and “there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.”

Humans can be extremely cruel to others by being close-minded and judgmental towards others. It is unfortunate how most wars fought during the existence of humans, were based on race, religion, or sex. As a result of our simple minds, billions of people had to die by the hands of their own kind. Many people want world peace, but, for peace, there has to be unity and equality.